Decision details

Ashford Borough Council Cemetery Provision; challenges and solutions

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The review has highlighted where we can make alterations in our provisions to better serve our residents and make adjustments to accommodate short term anticipated capacity need.  It has also highlighted the position other nearby Local Authorities which impacts on our capacity.  The report assesses potential issues and considers suggested remedies.  

Decision:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report which advised that a recent review of cemetery provision had identified the projected capacity of the Borough’s cemeteries over the coming years. Based on current demand the Borough had adequate availability of grave space within its cemeteries for the short/medium term future. The Borough was however expected to see a rapidly increasing population, particularly in the over-65s demographic with an increasing death rate of +45% between 2017 and 2041, putting increasing demand on provision of grave spaces. The report provided details of the challenges being faced, along with potential solutions

 

Resolved:

 

That      (i)      interment fees be scaled up for non-residents of the Borough in accordance with the information in Paragraph 45 of the report, to protect burial ground for the Borough’s residents.

 

(ii)        delegations be given to the Head of Environment and Land Management, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to apply discretion where applications are made for interments from families of previous residents of the Borough.

 

Contact: Tracey Butler, Director - Place, Space and Leisure Email: tracey.butler@ashford.gov.uk Tel: 01233 330875.

Publication date: 03/12/2019

Date of decision: 28/11/2019

Effective from: 13/12/2019